Family Life - Suggestions for Internet Entrepreneurs

Most people don't know much about the internet or how to make money from it. Some of them associate it with get-rich-quick garbage and home business scams. And the vast majority of them are accustomed to working for a company and getting paid regularly - in fact, many of them believe that working for an employer is the only "real" way to earn a living! So it shouldn't really be a surprise that your spouse may have doubts about the legitimacy of your online business. It's natural to be skeptical (a healthy skepticism has protected many people from dubious opportunities).

There will always be people who won't understand the lure of entrepreneurship, particularly when it's related to the internet. And that's okay; it takes all types of people to run the world. You and your spouse may not see eye-to-eye about this whole "internet business thing", and perhaps you never will. However, it's important to discuss issues surrounding your online work and come to a mutually-agreeable compromise.

Of course, it helps to have a supportive spouse. But it can be hard for her to be supportive when she doesn't get anything in return, especially over extended periods of time.

Suggestion #1: Try to minimize the impact your business has on your family.

For example, instead of working online in the evenings or at night - time you might normally spend with your spouse or children - why not get up a couple of hours earlier? It gives you some quiet time to get work done, while not taking anything away from your family.

Suggestion #2: Make time for your family.

That means no excuses, and no asking for "just a little bit more time to finish up". Commit yourself to a block of time you can spend with the family and then do it - and enjoy yourself. You might choose a certain time slot each day, or set aside a larger chunk of time each week, eg. every Saturday and Sunday from noon until bedtime is your "family time". During that time, your attention should be entirely theirs. This doesn't just benefit them - it benefits you, too, to have some "down-time" away from the business.

Suggestion #3: Make an effort to participate in activities you used to do, prior to starting your internet business.

Your family isn't going to want to spend time with you if you're always too tired to do anything but sit around and mumble "uh huh" when anyone talks to you. Family time just isn't fun if you want nothing more than to sit your cranky solitary butt down in front of the TV. Try choosing a time slot when you have the energy and desire to interact companionably with your family. And if you promise to go out or do something special, make sure you do everything in your power to keep that promise.
Help out around the house, too. Don't assume that your spouse is happy to take care of all the household chores while you toil away on the computer. You're a part of the household and thus you share responsibility for it.

Suggestion #4: Consider setting "deadlines" to show evidence of your progress.

There's a prevailing attitude that people who "work from home" basically lounge around, watch TV, eat, and nap (hopefully you're not really spending your business hours in this way!). It's hard for your spouse to get up and commute to work every day if she sees you sleeping in or having a leisurely breakfast while reading the newspaper. She works to support both of you while you try your business venture, and rightly so, she expects you to work too.
It may help to show your spouse that you really are working towards a goal. For instance, you could suggest that within a year's time, you'll make at least $5000. Or perhaps agree to show proof that you made your first sale within 90 days, and at least an additional 20 sales within the following 6 months. Make your goals challenging but achievable. It's easier to support someone when there's clear evidence that they're trying, and making progress too.
Work hard to meet these goals. To help you along, consider having your spouse agree to allow you a certain block of time every day to work uninterrupted, and to make a conscious effort to be supportive of your efforts.

Suggestion #5: Address the issue of money.

You've probably heard the old saying, "It takes money to make money." It's different, though, when that money takes away necessities or luxuries from the rest of the family. A guy once wrote to me to say his wife was extremely angry with him for using their savings to invest in some software for his business - savings they'd jointly put away for a vacation!
Have an open discussion on how you plan to finance your business. For example, maybe you could agree to keep your "day job" until you've saved $5000 above and beyond what you normally contribute to the household. This money could then be used solely for your business. Or you might agree to continue working your corporate job until you make $1000 a month, steadily, for at least 6 months.

Suggestion #6: Share your successes and frustrations.

If you used to talk over your day with your spouse before you started your online business, then why not continue? Don't bore her with the tiny little details of your marketing campaigns if she's not interested… but proudly show off your cheque when it arrives, or share funny or interesting anecdotes about the challenges of building your business. If you demonstrate that you really are working towards a goal, your spouse may be better able (and more inclined) to support your efforts.

Suggestion #7: Take care of yourself.

Eat properly, exercise regularly, and sleep well. Try to make sure you're healthy and well-rested so that you can give your family the attention they need, and in a positive way - not an "I've had a long day, leave me alone" type of way! Remember that although you choose to build an internet business, it's not a choice that your spouse would necessarily have made.

If you're fortunate, your spouse will support your business efforts. Show her how important she is to you by making a conscious effort to do so. I stress the words, conscious effort, because if you just leave things as they are and hope they'll work themselves out, well, you'll be waiting a long time. Be proactive!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Angela operates the Home Based Work website, which offers practical tips and articles for people seeking a way to work from home. Visit www.homebasedwork.com for more information, opportunities, and useful resources.